Cherreads

Chapter 321 - 321: Ascension

The 2019 British Grand Prix had drawn to a close. In a classic Silverstone race fraught with incidents and constant surprises, defending World Champion Kai secured his first victory at the circuit, filling another blank spot on his Grand Prix resume and presenting a genuine threat to Hamilton's position in the Drivers' Championship.

Ten races into the season, the landscape of the paddock was quietly shifting.

At the start of the year, the Mercedes W10 displayed unbelievable dominance. It was no exaggeration to say it was the only car on the grid in a league of its own. However, Mercedes had failed to establish an insurmountable lead. The persistent harassment and attacks from Ferrari, combined with the relentless challenges from Red Bull, finally culminated in reality at Austria and Britain. Mercedes' advantage seemed to be evaporating, and the top three teams were caught in a brewing storm.

In the Constructors' Championship: Mercedes: 374 points. Ferrari: 295 points. Red Bull: 180 points.

The lines were clearly drawn, the gaps substantial. The tiered standings provided a clear picture of the battle for the Constructors' title this year.

Mercedes had been miles ahead. In the ten races so far, they had achieved double podiums in seven of them, their overall strength unmatched. If this trend had continued, the suspense of the Constructors' Championship would have been extinguished early. But now, the situation had changed. Just before the summer break, the resurgence of Ferrari and Red Bull disrupted the status quo. With plenty of races left in the season, a dramatic turnaround was suddenly plausible.

In other words, Ferrari and Red Bull's rally came just in time.

Ferrari, in particular, had both cars finish ahead of Mercedes for the first time at Silverstone. Coupled with Red Bull acting as a spoiler, Ferrari had reduced the points gap for two consecutive races.

Without comparison, there is no harm. In the face of their rivals' strong resurgence, Mercedes' decline was slowly becoming apparent.

While Ferrari and Red Bull were busy implementing major upgrades, Mercedes was also bringing updates. The difference was that the balance of the W10 was already so refined that hastily disrupting it might actually hinder them. Consequently, Mercedes' upgrades hadn't introduced any revolutionary changes. But now it seemed their rivals had deciphered their advantage, and their conservative approach was turning into a constraint.

Currently, Mercedes led Ferrari by 79 points. It looked like a substantial lead, but the season was long, and a slight misstep could lead to a reversal.

For Mercedes, the real test was just beginning after Silverstone.

In the Drivers' Championship: Hamilton: 211 points. Kai: 183 points. Bottas: 163 points. Verstappen: 129 points. Leclerc: 112 points. Albon: 51 points.

This was a different picture entirely. The three-way battle of "Hamilton vs. Kai vs. Bottas" from the start of the season had completely collapsed. Mercedes' strategy of sacrificing Bottas to protect Hamilton had its pros and cons.

The advantage was that Hamilton had extended his lead. He was currently 28 points ahead of Kai, a gap larger than Kai's lead over Bottas.

The disadvantage was that Bottas' morale had taken a heavy hit. He showed no sign of the driver who had stood toe-to-toe at the start of the year, to the point where he couldn't withstand attacks. Let alone Kai, he couldn't even hold off Leclerc. If this continued, Red Bull might overtake him too, meaning Hamilton was left directly exposed to Kai.

Silverstone was a prime example.

The mature, seasoned Hamilton had his weaknesses exposed by the youthful, aggressive Kai. The steadiness and calm he had cultivated over recent seasons repeatedly cracked under pressure, resulting in a heavy blow to his morale.

Things were not looking good.

Industry insiders generally agreed that sacrificing Bottas to block Kai was the right move from a team perspective. It blunted Kai's momentum and prevented internal conflict at Mercedes. Wolff's strategy wasn't flawed, but was the timing right?

Was it too early to sacrifice Bottas? Did this move actually prove that Mercedes was panicked by Ferrari's relentless attacks?

If—and this was just a hypothetical—Mercedes entered the 2019 season with such a commanding advantage and still ended up losing both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles, this strategic decision might be seen as the turning point.

Which brought the focus back to Kai.

Faced with a difficult and thorny start to the season, Kai demonstrated decisive leadership. He consistently applied pressure and created trouble on the track, never turning the gun inward on his team. Instead, he swiftly united Ferrari, directing all their energy outward. This disrupted Mercedes' judgment, interfered with Wolff's decisions, and even allowed him to snatch victories in Shanghai and Monaco against the odds, keeping pace in a seemingly lopsided contest.

Undeniably, this was the key.

Looking back at the trajectory since the 2019 season opener, one had to marvel at Ferrari's transformation—or rather, Kai's leadership.

Taking it a step further, did Silverstone play a similar role?

It was a crucial race, an important stage for sponsors and industry insiders alike, and arrived at a critical moment when Red Bull had surged to win in Austria and was looking to upend the standings. Ferrari once again seized the opportunity, turning a disadvantage into a chance to close the gap.

A first and a third—not even a 1-2 finish—but Ferrari had indeed completed a soul-stirring battle at Silverstone and had the last laugh. Mercedes still held the lead in the standings, but they were now facing their biggest crisis of the season.

More important than points was momentum. Whether it was the handling of internal team conflicts or their repeated setbacks in high-stakes duels, Mercedes was feeling the sting of defeat from the inside out. This was certainly not the scenario Wolff had envisioned at the start of the year.

And more important than momentum was the car. The W10's once-unassailable lead had dwindled significantly after Austria and Britain. Claiming the "spaceship had returned to Earth" might be an exaggeration—after all, the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone were fast, flowing tracks where Red Bull and Ferrari naturally had some advantages. On a different circuit, Mercedes might easily reclaim their edge. But there was no denying that their rivals were charging hard, while the W10 seemed to be treading water.

This was especially true for Ferrari.

Every update showed targeted, significant progress. Gone was the bewildered, lost team of the past few seasons. They now possessed a strategic vision, unafraid to make trade-offs and take risks. Most importantly, the coordination between the team and the drivers had seen substantial improvement.

During an interview, Vettel remarked that the current Ferrari felt unfamiliar. "At least, it wasn't like this when I was at Maranello."

Mercedes was feeling the heat on all fronts. They needed to respond quickly. If they couldn't keep up the pace, control of the season might slip entirely from their grasp.

Because of this, the eyes of the industry were fixed on them. This race was seen as a wake-up call, rousing Wolff and Mercedes from their complacency.

Beyond the championship implications, the race itself was a classic. It was a strong contender for the race of the season and destined for the history books. The twists and turns, the unpredictable incidents, the breathtaking process, and the dramatic conclusion all came together to form a perfect Grand Prix.

Add in the off-track drama after the checkered flag, and the noise and clamor reached new heights as the weekend concluded. The race was endowed with layers of meaning and symbolism, generating even more energy than Interlagos and Abu Dhabi the previous year.

Every media outlet, without exception, went into a frenzy, churning out content. No one wanted to miss out on the party.

London, Sky Sports Studio.

A massive LED screen played the same scene on loop: the rain, Club Corner.

The red Number 22 car secured its position with precision, taking exactly what it needed and nothing more, perfectly dissecting the track.

Behind it, the silver Number 44 car hugged its rear wing, its front wing piercing through the thin, cyan mist, looking sharp and aggressive.

"Let's play it back one more time."

Brundle signaled to the control room. While Sky Sports naturally leaned toward protecting Hamilton's crown, they weren't a tabloid like The Sun, willing to distort the truth. As painful and bitter as it was, they still had to respect the facts.

Otherwise, Sky Sports' exclusive broadcasting contract with F1 could be at risk, much like how F1 ended its North American exclusivity with CBS.

Besides, even Silverstone had applauded Kai.

The footage slowed to quarter speed, showing the track situation frame by frame from different angles and positions.

Then, the data overlay appeared.

Steering angles, throttle application, and trajectory corrections were all highlighted.

"Look here," Brundle pointed at the screen. "Hamilton uses a larger steering input. He's trying to set up a switchback, but Kai doesn't take the bait. He sticks rigidly to his racing line."

"This is the most crucial, and also the most difficult, part."

"No weaving, no secondary defensive move. He leaves just enough space, but creates enough difficulty, defending the apex in a calmer and much more sophisticated manner."

The screen froze.

The two cars side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel.

The distance—0.56 meters.

Even in normal circumstances, this was a terrifyingly small margin. You wouldn't leave less than half a meter of space between two cars on a city street.

On an F1 track, it was madness.

Both Kai and Hamilton were dancing on a knife's edge. In that critical moment, they squeezed every ounce of potential from each other.

"This is a psychological battle. Attack and defense, breaking the stalemate and applying pressure. In a fraction of a second, both drivers delivered elite performances."

Brundle didn't need to elaborate further. The facts spoke for themselves.

He stared at the screen, his mind replaying the fierce, close-quarters combat between the two in the rain.

A thought surfaced, and he spoke it aloud. "Perhaps we are witnessing history. A rivalry on par with Senna versus Prost is rising."

Crofty raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his lips. "So, Kai is Senna? Lewis is Prost?"

Brundle shook his head. "No. Lewis is Lewis. Kai... is Kai. They are writing their own history together."

After a brief silence, Crofty didn't hide his surprise. "Martin, do you know what you're saying? Kai is only a sophomore driver!"

And yet, Brundle was placing Kai on a level comparable to Senna?

Brundle's expression remained unchanged. "Yes, a sophomore driver who pushed Lewis to such desperate lengths in the rain at Silverstone."

The sentence was spoken calmly and lightly, without any deliberate emphasis, but it made Crofty pause.

That one sentence sent ripples through the entire British motorsport community.

...

Milan, La Gazzetta dello Sport editorial room.

The lights blazed late into the night. The last time the newsroom had been this lively was in 2006, when Italy won the World Cup.

Closing their eyes, they could easily recall those memories. Their blood boiled, keeping them awake and energized without the need for coffee.

Opening their eyes brought them back to the present. Although Ferrari hadn't yet returned to the top of the world, and the gap in the Constructors' standings was still a chasm, this time felt different. Truly different. It wasn't just a win at Silverstone; it was the united spirit the team displayed.

"The New King of the Rain—"

The front page headline accompanied a massive photo of Kai lifting his red helmet toward the sky. He smiled brightly, his eyes shining. Despite being exhausted and drenched in sweat, looking as if he'd just been pulled from a pool, his vibrant vitality leaped off the page.

The photo covered the entire page, leaving no white space. Through the pixels, you could almost see the light in his eyes.

This wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. Kai had once again single-handedly created a miracle, breaking the chains of the impossible to write a legend.

It had been years since they had seen such an incredible wet race. Even through the persistent drizzle, the drivers hadn't held back. They pushed to the limit, fighting the machines, the elements, and themselves, breaking through all constraints.

This was Ferrari.

Dormant for so long that people had almost forgotten what Ferrari used to be, they were now reawakening because of this young, sunny driver.

The soaring emotions refused to settle.

Listen. The editorial room at midnight was still buzzing.

"No, no, no, they wanted to do that, but the Captain wouldn't let them."

"It's time people saw Mercedes for what they really are. They're no different from Red Bull."

"I don't care about Mercedes. The Captain is all that matters. Is it just me, or do I feel like our in-season development is actually on the right track for once?"

A dozen voices clamored at once, everyone eager to have their say.

Obviously, La Gazzetta dello Sport wasn't the only one. In fact, within two hours of the Grand Prix ending, social media timelines were flooded. News feeds were jammed with articles, completely dominating the conversation.

"Beating Hamilton at Silverstone in Hamilton's Style—The New King is Crowned!"

"Collision. Rain. Another Collision. Puncture. 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.' Kai wins the 2019 British Grand Prix with an epic performance."

"0.017 seconds! Kai grits his teeth and edges Hamilton on three wheels!"

"An Epic Victory—Kai snatches a win from the hands of 150,000 fans, marking a turning point in the championship."

"A Dogfight! Bottas, Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Albon all had a chance at the top step, but Kai has the last laugh!"

"Race of the Season! Kai pulls a tooth from the tiger's mouth, stealing the win at Hamilton's home turf!"

"A three-wheeled Ferrari beats a four-wheeled Mercedes. How exactly did Kai win the 2019 British Grand Prix?"

The news erupted.

There were so many highlights that even the official F1 highlight editors were spoiled for choice, unable to fit everything into a single package. After uploading an initial six-minute video to YouTube, they were bombarded with comments from fans demanding more, forcing F1 to work overnight to release an extended fourteen-minute cut that captured more of the race's brilliance.

Wave after wave of reactions poured in.

The negative sentiment toward Hamilton and Mercedes also reached new heights.

These voices had already been loud during the race, especially during the second incident where Hamilton's front wing was slightly damaged. Mercedes fans, furious and acting irrationally, had launched indiscriminate attacks, spinning conspiracy theories.

The chaos of the final lap had temporarily silenced the noise, giving social media a brief respite.

But now, the embers were flaring up again.

Not only was Hamilton's front wing damaged, but Kai had crossed the line dragging three tires. When it came to damage, Kai was the real victim. He had endured aggressive attacks from Hamilton at both the start and the end of the race, sustaining damage both times. The Tifosi hadn't even protested yet, and the culprits were already playing the victim?

It was intolerable!

#DisqualifyHamilton #FIAReinvestigateClubCorner #ThiefCryingThief #StrictWithOthersLenientWithThemselvesClassicMercedes #HamiltonOwesYoungDriversAnExplanation.

A slew of hashtags swept across social media, with calls for Hamilton's disqualification gaining the most traction.

The issue wasn't the nature of the second collision, but the fact that he hadn't learned his lesson after causing the first one. It was seen as a deliberate act, an attempt not only to harm a rival but to challenge the FIA's rules. This arrogance, placing himself above the regulations and his competitors' safety, demanded severe punishment.

It wasn't just the Tifosi. Voices from all corners of the internet exploded. Other fans, neutral viewers, and casual bystanders all chimed in, joining the fray and pushing the wave to unprecedented heights. Motorsport had never been this loud.

Or perhaps, Hamilton had never been this isolated.

Even back in 2007, when he first burst onto the scene and fought bitterly with Alonso, social media was still in its infancy. He hadn't truly experienced the backlash of internet traffic. Now, he was getting a full taste of the power of the modern digital wave.

However—

Ironically, the backlash against him didn't grow much further, simply because the entire internet was too busy worshipping Kai.

This was...

The good news was that the pressure on Hamilton decreased significantly.

The bad news was that people didn't even bother attacking him because they were too busy admiring Kai, not because they supported Hamilton.

So, should he be happy about that?

No one cared how Mercedes and Hamilton felt. An article titled "The Race" went live at 1:00 AM local time in the UK.

"THE Race." The headline was remarkably simple and restrained, avoiding any sensationalism. It took a professional, objective stance, standing in stark contrast to the clickbait currently dominating the internet.

Even the subtitle followed suit: "Silverstone 2019—The Turning Point That Changed the Season."

In 2019, such calm and objective journalism was nearly extinct. It felt like a throwback to a decade ago, before social media, when the news still adhered to factual principles, guiding public opinion and acting as a watchdog while resisting the tide of 'entertainment to death.'

"On the track, there is victory, but there is also a statement."

The opening of the article remained restrained. No excessive praise, no barrage of adjectives and adverbs, just a rational, objective review of the race.

The main text followed the same tone. The sharp, analytical writing showcased professionalism through understated, restrained words.

The start, the tactical replanning after the collision, the stalemate of rhythm control, the real-time reactions when opportunities arose, the choice and control of racing lines in the wet, the secondary rhythm management after the overtake, the throttle control and line selection after the tire delaminated.

And so on.

In a rapidly changing race, balancing rhythm while dealing with constantly evolving track positions and unpredictable car behavior required not only massive, precise analytical processing but also psychological calm and sharpness. There was almost no margin for error.

The shifts in strategy—from a one-stop to a two-stop, and then refusing to pit during the rain—placed severe demands on a driver's observation and judgment. A slight miscalculation could have led to a completely different outcome, potentially even seeing Albon on the top step.

A victory is never just a victory. This race held significant meaning for the entire season and for Kai's career.

In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that the key to Kai defeating Hamilton came down to the precise braking and line control in that final complex at Club Corner. A race-long duel between two elite drivers was decided by that one minute detail. Heaven or hell hung in the balance.

While this might sound dramatic, it highlighted the underlying truth: the battle between the two lasted the entire race, with neither fully in control, until a microscopic detail changed their destinies at the very end. That was what made this race a classic.

"The 2019 British Grand Prix trophy will be firmly remembered, not for the classic wet-weather racing, but for the ice-cold details and the absolute extreme focus."

The article remained calm and restrained throughout, analyzing the race with extensive data and diagrams. It provided a comprehensive review while maintaining a strictly professional and neutral stance.

Despite going live in the middle of the night, it easily surpassed 100,000 shares within three hours, with likes soaring toward the half-million mark.

The comments section was polarized, serving as a new battleground for Mercedes fans and the Tifosi, but the reality presented there was quite interesting.

The top comment read, "The ascension of Number 22!"

It garnered over 230,000 likes, leaving everything else in the dust. The second-highest comment "only" had 70,000 likes, and it also leaned toward Kai: "A race worth remembering. It proves Kai isn't just about audacity and talent; he's a born racer."

The facts were clear at a glance.

Add in the third-highest comment—"Race of the Season! Kai deserves it!"—and the overall trend of public opinion was unmistakable. Even though the comments section was divided and noisy, the voices of Mercedes fans were ultimately drowned out in the explosion of social media activity.

Thus, history was born.

During the live broadcast, Crofty had called it "The Race." He knew the weight of that phrase and wouldn't use it lightly, lest the definite article lose its meaning. Still, he hadn't anticipated it gaining such widespread acceptance and support from the new generation of fans.

Young fans and new viewers rejoiced collectively. The 2019 British Grand Prix was officially crowned "The Race." Thousands of fans treated it as a pilgrimage, and future fans of the sport would hail it as essential viewing, a full display of motorsport's magic that no one should miss.

Every generation of fans has its classics. For the current generation, this race defined the shifting landscape of the paddock and the motorsport world in the hybrid era. Even the media couldn't resist, joining in to validate the race's value.

Later, when the media compiled lists of the top ten races of the second millennium, "The Race" frequently claimed the top spot, beating out countless other classics.

It was consistently ranked among the top ten races of the hybrid era, the top ten races new fans shouldn't miss, and the top ten races with the most dramatic tension and social media impact.

Most importantly, "The Race" became a crucial coordinate in the countless peak duels that would define the rivalry between Kai and Hamilton.

Before this, Kai was merely a challenger, a dark horse who had unexpectedly stolen the 2018 Drivers' Championship. But after this, all prejudice and doubt vanished. People widely accepted that Kai and Hamilton were on equal footing.

For a young driver with only two years in Formula 1, his ascent to the top of the paddock was faster than anyone could have imagined. It wasn't just about being compared to Hamilton; it was about earning the recognition and praise that came with standing at the pinnacle of the sport.

It was no wonder Alonso later admitted he was 'jealous' of Kai, which was why he couldn't stay sitting at home.

Ascension!

A single British Grand Prix had it all, satisfying every fantasy people had about racing. It was easy to see why, among new fans and future young drivers, Kai held an unimaginable status, surpassing Hamilton to become the new idol and leading figure of the motorsport world.

It was about more than just a World Championship trophy.

The real key was the audacity and spirit displayed on the track. "The Race" truly ignited a social media frenzy, its mainstream appeal breaking all charts. Especially for casual viewers and outsiders, a race filled with such dramatic tension was the perfect entry point.

This reaction was slightly unexpected.

After all, Kai had already burst onto the scene last season, the young rookie raising hell and sweeping records, breaking into the mainstream on multiple occasions. Yet, this British Grand Prix generated even more waves, further expanding Kai's influence.

In just two short seasons, Kai had used concrete actions to write one miracle after another on the track, establishing a firm foothold in the paddock. But history and records were ultimately just numbers. They were crucial to the Tifosi, but they lacked a certain punch for casual observers. They either liked it or they didn't.

Previously, casual fans might have just 'heard the noise.' They knew there was a young driver rewriting history. But here at Silverstone, the word 'miracle' gained a clear, tangible image, showcasing Kai's talent and willpower through action. Formula 1 in the hybrid era hadn't seen such a pulse-pounding, thrilling duel in a long, long time.

And so, people couldn't hold back.

Veteran fans found their passion reignited. Brand new fans marveled, "So Formula 1 really is more than just driving in circles." And the mid-generation fans who had stuck with the sport felt honored to witness this battle.

This was just the tip of the iceberg.

#SilverstoneClassic #PeakDuel #RainMaster #KaiConquersTheBritishGP #DidYouMissAHistoricRaceToday.

A variety of hashtags dominated the trending lists, sweeping across social media. Major news outlets and fans alike filled timelines with long-form analyses. Retweets, likes, comments, videos, screenshots, and memes created a dazzling, overwhelming flood of content, leaving almost no room to breathe.

And the truly staggering part was that, as the discussion spread, the hashtag #AscensionBattle shot to the top of the trending charts like a rocket.

Clicking the hashtag revealed a whole new world.

One might expect a deluge of blind praise, endless screaming fans, and a wave of media adulation.

Instead, the feed was filled with videos, images, and long-form technical analyses.

There was one video from "Dr. Song," who had edited a side-by-side comparison of wet-weather racing: "Kai vs. Senna." Drivers from two completely different eras went head-to-head on a split screen.

The top half showed Senna in the wet at the 1993 European Grand Prix, while the bottom half showed Kai in the wet at the 2019 British Grand Prix.

The cross-editing highlighted the similarities in their racing lines and driving styles, while also showcasing the distinct nuances each brought to the track.

"Don't make random comparisons."

"The two races aren't comparable."

"The racing lines are definitely similar."

"It's less about the racing lines and more about the driving style."

"The real key is the ability to read the track in wet conditions and the audacity to push hard."

That single video was just the spark. It quickly racked up over three million views, serving as an inspiration that ignited everyone's enthusiasm.

The praise was no longer just empty flattery; it was tangible analysis. The experts looked at the technique, the laymen enjoyed the spectacle. Everyone was diving deep into why this race was so special, why it was so brilliant, and most importantly, how exactly Kai managed to win it.

The heat wave showed no signs of stopping!

"Kai vs. Schumacher," "Kai vs. Prost," "Kai vs. Lauda," and so on. Cross-edited videos comparing Kai with legendary drivers became the new hot trend on social media. Countless users eagerly jumped in, adding fuel to the fire.

Even videos like "Kai vs. Alonso," "Kai vs. Hamilton," and "Kai vs. Vettel" began to emerge. While there might be debate among fans over whether all these drivers qualified as "legends" or "gods," there was no doubt that Kai could now be mentioned in the same breath. Even with just one World Championship to his name, Kai was elevated to an entirely new level.

The buzz was relentless.

The official F1 organization was caught off guard, never expecting the impact of this race to be so fierce. But—

It was perfect!

Netflix, Ferrari, McLaren, LVMH, and even Mercedes and Red Bull—all joined forces to fan the flames, seizing the opportunity to expand the reach of Formula 1.

F1 had been carefully utilizing Kai to tap into global market potential. Now, the moment they had been waiting for had finally arrived, and they had no reason to miss it.

Driven by this collective force, "The Race" truly took root in the public consciousness, becoming a label that redefined Formula 1.

Later, major broadcasters like BBC, ESPN, and CCTV5 joined the frenzy.

The BBC took the sharpest angle: "A Rivalry is Born."

Since last season, matchups like "Hamilton vs. Vettel," "Kai vs. Verstappen," and "Kai vs. Ricciardo" had graced the headlines, as well as "Hamilton vs. Bottas" and "Kai vs. Vettel." But in the end, time and fate provided the answer.

Circumstances create heroes.

The heavyweight clash between Kai and Hamilton finally surfaced, becoming the central theme of the 2019 season.

The broadcast focused on the tension during the podium ceremony. Although no one knew exactly what was said, and neither party was willing to discuss it, anyone with eyes could see that the tension between the two had spilled from the track into the paddock, and perhaps even into their daily lives.

"Whether they are true rivals remains to be seen; that takes time. But one thing is certain: they are definitely not friends."

Perhaps the happiest entity in all this was Netflix, welcoming the drama with open arms.

They had regrettably missed capturing the climax of the World Championship battle last season, a massive missed opportunity. They weren't going to miss it this year.

Not only would they not miss it, but Netflix also had a dedicated project focused on Kai. Everything was aligning perfectly.

Without needing a prompt, Netflix started pouring money into promotions, working alongside F1 to quietly push the wave to new heights.

The power of capital began to show its strength.

It was everywhere, inescapable.

Newspapers, television, the internet, streets, and alleys were all flooded with traffic. Even billboards on city corners played loops of highlights from the 2019 British Grand Prix and Netflix trailers, spreading like wildfire.

What was happening was slightly abnormal.

On the same weekend, on the very same day at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic saved match points in a five-set epic to defeat Roger Federer and claim the title, sparking a massive conversation of its own.

Historically, tennis easily outshone motorsport in terms of discussion volume. Even a Hamilton victory at Silverstone couldn't usually turn the tide.

And this year, Djokovic and Federer had delivered a masterpiece, hailed by many as the greatest match since Nadal and Federer in 2008. The GOAT debate shifted once again, and the entire tennis world was boiling over.

Yet!

In the UK, across Europe, Asia, and North America, it seemed motorsport, motorsport, and more motorsport dominated. The front pages of newspapers, big and small, were stuffed with racing. F1 was receiving unprecedented attention. Let alone tennis, even football was temporarily eclipsed.

The media—or rather, Netflix and F1—were using this moment to remind the world that motorsport was undergoing an unprecedented transformation.

It was not to be missed!

Kai was becoming the new face of racing. A new generation, a new landscape, a new future, appearing in every corner of the world.

After waiting and preparing for so long, the motorsport world had finally seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It wasn't just the teams; the drivers, sponsors, paddock personnel, and race officials all joined the carnival. The entire sport was turned upside down, pushing this wave to its absolute peak.

Hamilton had never wanted anything more than for these shameless, bandwagon-jumping crowds to stay the hell away from racing. They didn't need these casuals making a scene, for God's sake!

More Chapters